Homemade Soft Pretzels

Warm, golden-brown pretzels with a soft, chewy interior and classic salty crust—perfect for snacking or sharing.

I love making these pretzels for family gatherings as they are always a hit and remind me of traditional German bakeries.

Ingredients

• Dough: 1 ½ cups (360 ml) warm water (about 110°F/43°C), 2 ¼ tsp (7 g 1 packet) active dry yeast, 1 tbsp (12 g) granulated sugar, 4 cups (500 g) all-purpose flour, 1 tsp (6 g) fine sea salt, 2 tbsp (28 g) unsalted butter melted
• Boiling & Topping: 10 cups (2.4 L) water, ⅔ cup (90 g) baking soda, 1 egg yolk beaten with 1 tbsp water, Coarse sea salt for sprinkling

Instructions

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

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Step 1:

In a large bowl, combine warm water, yeast, and sugar. Let sit for 5 minutes until foamy.

Step 2:

Add flour, salt, and melted butter. Mix with a wooden spoon until a shaggy dough forms.

Step 3:

Turn dough onto a floured surface and knead for 5–7 minutes until smooth and elastic.

Step 4:

Place dough in a greased bowl, cover, and let rise in a warm place for 1 hour, or until doubled in size.

Step 5:

Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

Step 6:

In a large pot, bring 10 cups water and baking soda to a boil.

Step 7:

Punch down the dough and divide into 8 equal pieces. Roll each into a 20-inch (50 cm) rope.

Step 8:

Shape each rope into a pretzel: form a U, twist the ends twice, then press onto the bottom of the U.

Step 9:

Carefully dip each pretzel into the boiling baking soda solution for 30 seconds use a slotted spatula to transfer to prepared baking sheets.

Step 10:

Brush pretzels with egg wash and sprinkle generously with coarse salt.

Step 11:

Bake for 12–15 minutes, until deep golden-brown.

Step 12:

Cool slightly on a wire rack before serving.

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

Quickly slice, dice, grate, and spiralize vegetables for salads, stir fries, and faster everyday meal prep.

Check price on Amazon

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These pretzels always bring my family together especially during holiday weekends when we share them warm from the oven.

Notes

For cinnamon-sugar pretzels, brush with melted butter after baking and coat in cinnamon sugar. Serve with mustard cheese dip or enjoy plain.

Required Tools

Large mixing bowl, Measuring cups and spoons, Wooden spoon, Stand mixer with dough hook (optional), Large pot, Slotted spatula, Baking sheets, Parchment paper, Pastry brush

Allergen Information

Contains Wheat (gluten), Eggs, Milk (butter). May contain traces of nuts or soy if ingredients are processed in shared facilities. Always double-check labels for allergens.

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Keeps paper towels accessible for wiping spills, drying hands, and cleaning surfaces while cooking.

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Enjoy these soft pretzels warm for the best taste and texture every time.

Common Questions

→ How do baking soda baths affect pretzels?

The baking soda bath creates the signature pretzel crust by reacting with the dough’s surface during baking, producing a deep golden-brown color and slightly crisp texture.

→ Why is yeast used in pretzel dough?

Yeast helps the dough rise, developing a soft, chewy interior with light air pockets that give pretzels their distinctive texture.

→ Can pretzels be flavored differently after baking?

Yes, after baking, pretzels can be brushed with melted butter and coated with cinnamon sugar or other seasonings for a sweet variation.

→ What is the best way to store soft pretzels?

Soft pretzels can be frozen once cooled. To reheat, warm them in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes to restore softness and warmth.

→ Are these pretzels suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, these pretzels contain no meat or animal-derived gelatin, making them suitable for vegetarian diets.